At some point in your career, you may start thinking more seriously about what comes next. You may feel ready to grow and take on new challenges by earning a master’s degree.
Before applying to graduate school, many professionals want to know the same thing: Is an online master’s degree worth it? The answer depends on your career goals, your field and the opportunities a master's degree may create.
Understanding the return on investment (ROI) of an online master’s degree means looking at both the cost of the degree and the value it can provide over time. Here’s how to evaluate that return and consider what may make an online master’s degree worth the investment beyond salary alone.
Quick answer: Is an online master’s degree worth it?
An online master’s degree can deliver a measurable return on investment. By eliminating the costs tied to traditional residential programs, you keep earning while you learn from where you are, and that combination often accelerates salary growth faster than the on-campus path would allow.
The true value, however, extends beyond financial metrics. You gain lifelong access to a global network that continues to shape your career trajectory, creating opportunities that impact you beyond the classroom.
What’s the value of online master's degrees?
The days of quitting your job and moving across the country for two years while you complete a master’s degree are over. Institutions like Brown University offer highly specialized, flexible online master’s programs designed for working professionals. This modern framework completely redefines what a master’s degree is, creating a student-centered experience tailored to the realities of your career.
At Brown, online master’s students have access to the same global community led by world-class faculty and industry experts as if they were on campus. Regardless of modality, students also have the same support and resources from a dedicated team at the Center for Master’s Student Excellence, with the mission to help you excel at Brown and beyond.
The biggest advantages of earning a master’s degree online include:
- Low opportunity cost: You can earn a master’s degree without pausing your career and earn a scholarship that covers up to 50% of tuition costs, helping you maintain your income while balancing other financial priorities.
- Immediate workplace impact: Instead of waiting until graduation to use your education, you can immediately apply advanced strategies and new skills in your current role.
- High-impact collaboration: Online programs pair asynchronous assignments with optional weekly live sessions, allowing you to collaborate with experienced peers and develop a professional network.
- Career acceleration: A Brown master’s degree will set you apart, distinguished by academic excellence, diverse perspectives and intellectual curiosity. Through individualized mentorship and experiential learning, you will not only gain marketable skills that have real-time impact, but you will also have access to a global network that opens doors.
The salary statistics: How much more can you earn?
One of the most common reasons professionals pursue a master's degree is the potential for higher earnings.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time workers age 25 and older with a master’s degree had median weekly earnings of $1,840, compared with $1,543 for those with a bachelor’s degree. For professionals who continue working while enrolled, an online program can also make it possible to maintain current income while investing in future career growth.
These numbers translate directly into real career mobility. For instance, Dr. Glenn Jakobsen, D.O., pursued Brown University’s online master of public health (MPH) after more than 30 years in medicine, allowing him to continue practicing while developing the skills and perspective to address broader public health challenges. During the program, he launched a nonprofit, drafted policy briefs and designed community-based projects informed by his coursework — turning what he learned into action for his patients and their communities.